UPDATE: Alles Brothers furniture in Henderson to close after more than century in business

Herman and Mary Frances Alles pose by a rolltop desk and a portrait of their late father Jacob Alles at their furniture store, Alles Brothers Furniture, Tuesday afternoon, March 16, 1999. Herman said his father was 90 years old in that picture, which was taken for an article The Gleaner did in 1949 about people who were still working after age 80. The late Alles pioneered the design for the rolltop desk that is common in many households.(Photo: Gleaner file photo)Buy Photo

HENDERSON - After more than a 100 years in business in downtown Henderson, it has been announced that Alles Brothers Furniture will close its doors.

According to a news release sent out Wednesday morning, "The executor of the estate of Herman Alles announces the closing of Alles Brothers Furniture, an iconic downtown business in Henderson, KY, which has served the region for more than 119 years."

He was well-known in the community as both a philanthropist and businessman,

The residual of the estate of Herman Alles was left to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Henderson after he passed away.

Bishop William F. Medley from the Diocese of Owensboro was named executor of the estate, which includes the massive downtown Henderson store and all of its inventory, Alles’ home and furnishings, and a few thousand acres of farmland

“There are several factors that have led to this difficult decision but we are so very grateful for the Alles family and the many years of dedication and service to the Henderson community,” said Bishop Medley in the news release. “If Mr. Alles were still here today he would say ‘thank you’ to all of his loyal customers and employees through the years.”

The exterior of Alles Brothers Furniture in the 1920s on First Street, where it continues to do business today. Jacob Alles' delivery truck, a Ford Model T, is parked in front.(Photo: Furnished photo)

“Many words can be used to describe the generosity of the Alles family,” continued Bishop Medley, “but perhaps none are more fitting than these words from St. Francis of Assisi, ‘Remember when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received only what you have given: A heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.’ ”

Medley said during an interview with the press Wednesday afternoon that closing the doors of Alles Brothers isn't an easy decision to make, but "we came to realize very quickly that the church is not in a good position to be in the retail business.'

After Alles' death this summer, Medley said, "We began consulting with professionals" on how to best handle the asset.

He said they were told that "there's a not of lot of market for that type of individual business, although we would remain open to someone making an overture of that type ... the conclusion was sort of logical. So this is the beginning of that. And if someone were to materialize who wants to buy the business as is, well that would still be considered. But our professional consultations told us that's not very likely. "

Bishop Medley said he doesn't think this decision goes against Alles' desires or expectations.

"From my conversations with Mr. Alles in his later years, he sort of assumed that this era was ready to change. Now, as was perfectly his right, he did not want that to change in his lifetime ... His will pretty much acknowledges that things would change once he was no longer there and the guiding force."

He said Alles bequeathing the store and assets to the church is "the perfect example of a very philanthropic, generous man continuing that generosity beyond the grave as he leaves this money to Holy Name to continue the good works of that Catholic church for a long time."

According to the press release, the liquidation of the business will begin on Aug.1st when special orders will no longer be taken, and the last day of business will be Oct. 1, 2018.

Kurtz Auction and Realty of Owensboro will handle the sale of any inventory and property after Oct. 1st.

The Alles Brothers Furniture Co. in Mount Vernon, Indiana, shares a historical and family connection -- but it is not part of the Henderson Alles Brothers operation and will not be affected by the planned closure, according to Jon Sides.

Sides, chief executive of the Alles Brothers realty holdings that includes the Henderson store, farmlands and more, told The Gleaner Wednesday that he couldn't comment on the planned closing and referred all questions to the Diocese of Owensboro.

Lindsay Locasto, executive director of the Downtown Henderson Partnership, said Wednesday that Alles Brothers "most certainly will be missed ... Alles Brothers has been a staple to our downtown for over 100 years. It has provided jobs and great service to our community. Almost everybody in our community can tell a story about a piece of furniture that they bought from Alles Brothers and put in their home, and that’s something special for a lot of people here."

But she said that with "with their doors closing this fall, we are eager to see what new opportunities may open for businesses wanting to locate to downtown Henderson.”

"I feel like Henderson loves to cherish its history, but also looks forward to new things.”

Locasto said that when she asks people what they envision for downtown Henderson, they often mention a boutique hotel or an events space.

The Alles Brothers property -- taking up almost an entire city block -- might allow such a project, she said.

"My hope and our hope is that there are a lot of people with a lot of vision and a lot of ideas that want to bring great things downtown, so this might possibly give space where some of these bigger locations might find a home."

On the other hand, "There may even be another furniture store that would locate to that space," she added.

Alles Brothers Furniture was opened in 1899 by Jacob Alles, Herman’s father. Herman worked at the store until he enlisted in the Army during WWII.

As noted in a Chuck Stinnett story from The Gleaner in 2002 when Alles was named Small Business Person of the Year, "He returned home from World War II to his father's downtown store, slashed the prices it charged for the furniture it sold, became one of Henderson's first businessmen to sell goods on the weekly payment plan –– and in doing so, helped furnish untold thousands of homes here and around the Tri-state.

"He also proved himself a steady and generous employer, and quietly, very quietly, became a benefactor of his community and particularly his church (Holy Name), never seeking and sometimes refusing recognition for his generosity," Stinnett wrote.